CHICAGO - With the Pampanga Giant Lanterns setting the benchmark at a new high, the level of competition at the MPBL has increased significantly since its inception in 2017.
It's about to climb to another level.
Perennial contenders the Manila Stars said they are bringing in a big gun for the Season 6 wars - Greg Slaughter.
"It's a done deal," a source familiar with the situation told me in a telephone interview, adding that Slaughter will be in Manila in May when his contract with his Japan B2 League team expires.
READ Manila Stars list Greg Slaughter as a reserve for MPBL season
Slaughter is currently playing a limited role with the Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka. Per Asia Basket, the Filipino-American has appeared in 30 games in the 2023-24 season where he averaged 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in 7.3 minutes of play.
On the strength of his size, skill-set, and five-star credentials, Slaughter is pulling at least $15,000 a month, Japan sources told SPIN.ph.
HOMECOMING.
Surprisingly, convincing the affable giant to toil in the Manny Pacquiao-founded league wasn't a hard sell because Greg reportedly wants to come home and be closer to family.
At age 35, some of his best years may be behind him now, but Slaughter can still be a force in the middle at 7-feet and 258 pounds. He is, after all, GregZilla, a man among boys.
And having won all the marbles twice in the UAAP and four times in the PBA, Slaughter, who is also a five-time All-Star and the 2014 PBA Rookie of the Year, brings a wealth of experience to a Stars squad that have yet to conquer the MPBL.
Can Slaughter carry them over the hump?
He well could, but he doesn't have to do it alone.
STAR-STUDDED FIELD.
Led by coach Gabby Severino, the Stars' 19-man roster is loaded with seven other ex-PBA players that include Carl Bryan Cruz, Rabah Al-Hussani, James Sena, Pao Javelona, Jorey Napoles, Mike Tolomia and Jan Jamon.
It won't be easy, though, given the strength of perennial powerhouses such as the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards and the San Juan Knights plus threats from newcomers Abra Weavers and the Tarlac United Force.
Outside the lines, Slaughter can also be a huge marketing asset for both the Manila Stars and the MPBL. Greg has a combined army of 290,000 followers across Facebook, X and Instagram.
Never one to shy away from engaging with both the media and fans on social media, Slaughter is arguably the biggest ex-PBA name to grace the MPBL since Arwind Santos suited up for the Giant Lanterns in Season 5.
After a bitter divorce with Ginebra in 2020, there is little indication that Slaughter is interested in bringing back his talents to the PBA, but if he so chooses, he can use the MPBL as a springboard.
Basketball's continuing popularity in the Philippines has birthed so many professional leagues. And while the PBA remains the king of the hill, the MPBL has made tremendous strides.
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